Is Deep Plane Facelift Superior to Other Facial Rejuvenation Techniques?
Cosmetic surgery has seen remarkable advancements, offering a range of options to combat aging and maintain a youthful appearance. The field now enjoys greater recognition as society sheds the stigma around it and acknowledges the human desire to immortalize ourselves and help stop our aging process.
While immortality remains a distant goal, technological advancements can now delay our aging process, at least with how we look. Yet, no matter how alluring the promise of ageless beauty can be to most of us, it’s crucial to exercise caution when dealing with anything in cosmetic surgery, even nonsurgical procedures.
One of the popular procedures in the field of cosmetic surgery is facelift, clinically known as rhytidectomy. It is a surgical procedure to smoothen wrinkles in the mid-to-lower face, tighten jowls, and address laxity or sagging skin in the neck area.
While doctors may recommend less invasive treatments, none can match the transformative results of a full facelift. The deep plane facelift, recently gaining popularity, offers a complete rejuvenation but comes at a higher cost, prompting us to assess its value compared to other facial rejuvenation techniques.
Deep Plane Facelift
This premium technique is an all-inclusive surgical procedure designed to infiltrate the deeper tissues of the face, ensuring more dramatic and enduring results. The process involves repositioning the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to lift and restore the contours, fully restoring severe sagging areas and aging signs.
Dr. Georgios Orfaniotis, one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the UK for deep plane facelifts, employs two types of Deep Plane facelifts – short scar and full scar. As the name suggests, a short scar involves a brief incision from the hairline to just behind the earlobe. It’s suitable for mild to moderate jowling and neck concerns, showing no visible scarring for those who prefer to tie up their hair.
A full scar deep plane means a longer incision extending to the mastoid region and the back of the head by the hairline. This is a necessary procedure for those with more pronounced neck issues with excess skin, as it prevents the skin from bunching behind the ear, giving the patient a much smoother look.
The benefits of a deep plane facelift include a profound transformation by going deeper into the underlying structures responsible for facial sagging to improve skin laxity. The high cost also offsets other expenses incurred from cheaper techniques due to repeated touch-up procedures or consultations. A deep place facelift promises long-lasting results, often for more than a decade. This procedure, when successful, also results in a more natural look, in contrast to older versions of facelift techniques.
Here’s a helpful guide for three-dimensional face anatomy for deep-plane facelift surgeries.
Other Facial Rejuvenation Techniques
Traditional Facelift
The earliest form of a facelift is more focused on skin tightening and superficial tissues of the face. It caters to those who show moderate signs of aging with the procedure, resulting in a more youthful appearance by lifting and re-draping the skin. They are generally more affordable and offer noticeable improvement for moderate skin issues.
On the other hand, as they only go through the superficial tissues of the skin, they are less effective than other invasive counterparts. It will also not last as long as deep plane techniques and may generally require touch-up visits after the operation.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift, also called a weekend facelift or S-lift, is less invasive and targets the smaller area of the face, reducing recovery times and involving fewer risks. An incision is made in front of the ears that extends from the hairline to the bottom of the earlobe. It is effective for mild aging signs but less helpful for more severe cases. As it is the most affordable option, its scope is limited as it only addresses a small area of the face and may not last as long as the other two procedures.
Botox and Dermal Fillers
Other face rejuvenation techniques include noninvasive procedures like Botox and dermal fillers. They involve injectables to reduce wrinkles and restore facial volume. Botox or OnabotulinumtoxinA is injected into specific muscle areas in the upper face to relax them. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are injected under the skin to add volume and smoothen it.
Due to their non-invasive procedure, they offer a quick, office-based treatment duration with minimal downtime and typically mild risks. They target specific areas for specific aging concerns, but their effects are temporary and require maintenance visits. They are also generally ineffective for severe aging signs and significant skin sagging.
Here’s a comprehensive comparison between Botox and dermal fillers that can provide you with more insight into these two non-invasive techniques: https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/botox-vs-fillers-uses-side-effects-cost-differences
Now for the bottom line: while a deep plane facelift offers a more permanent solution to aging, adding more value than the financial sacrifice, it only makes sense for those suffering from severe sagging and aging signs. Those who only want to delay the natural aging process of their skin can seek more affordable options, depending on their goals and preferences.
Ultimately, the choice among these methods should be consulted with a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, who can assess your unique needs and recommend the most appropriate approach to achieve your desired rejuvenation outcome.
